Woman & Son Survived for 10 Days using TV Survival Skills

Jake Crown

The mother and son used survival techniques picked up from watching Bear Grylls on TV. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui.

Michelle Small and her nine-year-old son set off on what was supposed to be a short bushwalk in the Mount Royal National Park, around 100 miles north of Sydney.

The pair lost their way and began a 10 day battle with hash weather and no food. They were only able to find water using tactics they had seen on Bear Grylls’ Man Vs. Wild.

By licking water off of leaves, digging holes in dry creek beds, and even drinking their own urine, they were able to find moisture.

Michelle Small is stretchered to ambulance after her ordeal. Picture: Seven NewsSource:The Daily Telegraph

The mother and child eventually stumbled onto a road after days of wandering the 17,000 acre park. Over 40 police were dispatched in the search for the Small’s and were amazed by the condition of the couple upon their discovery.

“They had some minor injuries, some cuts and abrasions, exposure and dehydration but will likely have no long term ill effects,” said the officer in charge.

The story made international news and eventually made it back to Bear Grylls himself.

“It’s easy to stay positive for one day, but ten days is really hard … it comes down to their courage and resourcefulness,” Bear Grylls said.

“Drinking your own urine is not a fun thing, but if it played a part in helping save their lives then that’s a good thing.

“I look at this story and Michelle and Dylan had this survivor spirit, the dogged determination to never give up.”

The mother and son used survival techniques picked up from watching Bear Grylls on TV. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui.

And Bear Grylls passed on a message for Ryan: “It’s amazing at a young age, you’ve got that spirit. Be proud you’ve got this courage and determination that will sustain you in your life.”